By Aziz Qaiser
In a disturbing case highlighting ongoing concerns about religious violence in Punjab, a young Christian woman faces trauma while authorities begin investigation
Sialkot, May 7, 2025 – Local authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Muretha Police Station following serious allegations that a 19-year-old Christian woman was abducted, beaten, and gang-raped by multiple assailants on Sialkot Road. The case has quickly drawn attention from religious leaders and human rights advocates across Punjab province.
Details of the Incident
According to the official FIR, Asma Saleem, a 19-year-old Christian resident who works in the accounts department at Beeching Hospital, was reportedly contacted by Mohi Ali (son of Mohammad Jafar) at approximately 4:30 PM on May 1. The victim was allegedly lured near the University of Sialkot under false pretenses before being forcibly taken to a house in City Housing.
The police report states that at this location, five individuals—identified as Bahsham (also known as Mohi Ali), Abdullah (son of Sajid Ali), Ali Haider (son of Tehreem Sohail), Shahzeb (son of Azam), and Rohail (son of Shahid)—allegedly assaulted the victim. The perpetrators are accused of physical violence followed by sexual assault while recording the crime.
After the attack, the suspects reportedly abandoned the victim near the University of Sialkot, where she subsequently filed a written application that led to the FIR registration. Authorities have invoked Section 375/A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which specifically addresses gang rape offenses.
Community Response and Support
The incident has mobilized significant community support for the victim. On the day following the attack, a delegation including Sohail Habal (National Director of HARDS), Nepolian Qayyum Senior Human Rights Activist & (General Secretary of HARDS), Father Aslam Lazar, and Saleem Shakir (President of Christian Business Fellowship Pakistan and Bureau Chief of Faith & Freedom News) visited Asma’s residence in Makhal Sindhwan, Tehsil & District Gujranwala.
During this solidarity visit, the delegation met with the victim’s family and pledged comprehensive assistance, including legal aid, psychological counseling, and financial support throughout the forthcoming legal proceedings.
“These horrific acts of violence against religious minorities must be addressed with the utmost seriousness by authorities,” said Saleem Shakir following the visit. “The trauma experienced by this young woman reflects a broader pattern that requires urgent attention from provincial leadership.”
Concerns Raised Over Investigation Process
Senior human rights activist Nepolian Qayyum has expressed serious concerns about the handling of the investigation, alleging potential obstruction of justice.
“From the very beginning of this case, law enforcement officials appear to be taking actions that could compromise the investigation’s integrity,” stated Qayyum during a press conference on Wednesday. “The FIR contains critical identification errors, including incorrectly recording the victim’s father as ‘M. Saleem’ when his actual name is ‘Saleem Masih.’ Furthermore, authorities documented an incorrect residential address for the family.”
These discrepancies, according to Qayyum, raise questions about whether proper investigative procedures are being followed. “These may appear to be simple clerical errors, but in our experience monitoring similar cases, such ‘mistakes’ often become the basis for dismissals during later court proceedings,” he explained.
Qayyum further alleged that officers are pressuring the traumatized victim to provide an official statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code despite her current psychological state. “Asma Saleem requires immediate psychiatric evaluation and treatment following this deeply traumatic experience. Attempting to extract formal statements before she receives appropriate psychological support potentially violates both her rights and proper investigative protocol,” he emphasized.
The activist also highlighted what he described as concerning attempts to minimize the case. “Police officials have begun claiming that two of the alleged perpetrators are minors, which would significantly alter the legal proceedings. However, the victim has consistently identified four adult assailants who not only committed the assault but recorded video documentation of their crime,” Qayyum stated.
Legal experts note that the existence of such video evidence, if recovered, would constitute critical forensic material in establishing the facts of the case and the identity of all participants involved in the alleged assault.
Community advocates are calling for an independent oversight committee to monitor the investigation and ensure that evidence is properly preserved and documented.
Broader Context of Religious Minority Concerns
This case occurs against a backdrop of documented violence targeting religious minorities in Punjab province. Human rights organizations have repeatedly highlighted that Christian women in particular face heightened vulnerability to such attacks, while conviction rates in similar cases remain disproportionately low.
The victim has directly appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for intervention, requesting expedited justice and enhanced protection measures for religious minorities throughout the province.
Civil society groups have outlined three immediate priorities in response to the incident:
- Accelerated investigation procedures with transparency throughout the process
- Comprehensive psychological and medical support systems for the victim
- Accountability for all individuals involved in the attack
Legal Process Underway
Police officials have confirmed that the investigation is proceeding with several key components:
- Collection and review of available CCTV footage from relevant locations
- Gathering forensic evidence to support the case
- Recording statements from potential witnesses
- Providing protection measures for the victim
The judicial process will involve filing of a formal charge sheet followed by trial proceedings under Section 375/A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries severe penalties for convicted offenders.
Religious leaders from multiple faiths have called for calm while emphasizing the importance of allowing the legal system to function without interference or intimidation of witnesses.
Understanding the Impact
The psychological impact of such attacks extends beyond individual victims to affect entire communities. Mental health professionals specializing in trauma response have emphasized the importance of community support structures during the healing process.
“When violence targets individuals based on their religious identity, it creates ripple effects of fear throughout that community,” explained Dr. Saima Akhtar, a trauma specialist who works with victims of sectarian violence. “Proper psychological support becomes essential not just for the direct victim but for addressing collective trauma.”
Advocacy organizations continue to monitor the case closely, with several planning peaceful demonstrations in coming days to raise awareness about sectarian violence and call for stronger protections for religious minorities throughout Pakistan.
This article aims to document factual information about this serious incident while respecting the dignity of those involved and highlighting the broader societal context of violence against religious minorities in Pakistan.
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